FIVE STANS ADVENTUREThe easiest way to explore Central Asia

UZBEKISTAN-TURKMENISTAN-UZBEKISTAN-KYRGYZSTAN- KAZAKHSTAN-UZBEKISTAN

17 DAYS

Silk Road ‘Stans

Cities: Tashkent-Khiva- Koneurgench-Ashgabat-Mary -Bukhara-Samarkand-Shahrisabz, Ferghana-Osh-Uzgan- Jala Abad- Arslonbob- Bishkek-Almaty Duration: 17 daysDates: Individual tour, any dates.Visa: We provide full visa support for free of charge, a copy of your passport and 14 days is all we need. In some cases upon arrival visa is possible.Hotels: 4 star hotels in Capitals and“boutique” hotels in other cities Prices in USD per person: 1p = 5980, 2p = 4390, 4p = 3550, 6p = 3150, 8p = 3050, single/ supplement = 450 Guaranteed departure dates: May, August, September, OctoberBest season: March, April, May, August, September, OctoberTransportation: Sedan/Minivan/Bus, Airplane, Train (optional)Value of the tour: Carefully selected the highest quality hotels that represent the best of what the local culture has to offer, with a great location and best local atmosphere you can experience. High qualified local guides in every city always ready to take you off the beaten paths at no additional cost and share with stories you can find nowhere else. Professional drivers with over 20 years of experience in tourism business, always willing to go extra mile for you, that will make the difference when you need a help with any arrangements or providing flexibility if your plans change. Best price and we guarantee you will not find a trip of the same quality, level and amount of included services. 24/7 support during your trip, including 24 hour emergency numbers in all locations. We work hard to make sure the quality and values of this tour is unsurpassed. Brief description: An unforgettable journey awaiting you as it covers the most famous 4 ‘stans where you will visit all of the iconic images that the Great Silk Road has to offer in Central Asia. Hidden behind the Soviet curtain for almost a century , now these countries are waiting to be explored and promising a life time experience.

Program summary

Day 1

UZBEKISTAN Arrival to Tashkent

Day 2

Flight to Khiva and Sightseeing

Day 3

TURKMENISTAN Cross the Border to Turkmenistan

Day 4

Koneurgench Sightseeing, evening flight to Ashgabat

Day 5

Ashgabat Sightseeing, Flight to Mary

Day 6

UZBEKISTAN Mary, Sightseeing Cross to Uzbekistan, drive to Bukhara

Day 7

Bukhara Highlights

Day 8

Drive to Samarkand

Day 9

Samarkand city tour

Day 10

Drive to Tashkent

Day 11

Drive to Ferghana Valley

Day 12

KIRGIZSTAN Crossing border to O’sh, sightseeing

Day 13

Drive to Uzgen – Djalal Abad – Arslanbob

Day 14

Drive to Bishkek

Day 15

KAZAKHSTAN Bishkek - Almaty

Day 16

Almaty Highlights and Tashkent evening flight

Day 17

Home, End of the tour

UZBEKISTAN-TURKMENISTAN-UZBEKISTAN-KYRGYZSTAN- KAZAKHSTAN-UZBEKISTAN

17 DAYS

Silk Road ‘Stans

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Tashkent

UZBEKISTAN

As soon as you arrive at the Tashkent International Airport, our outstanding support staff will meet you and whose duty is to help you with all border formalities, assistance in collecting your baggage, and filling out the proper declaration forms. They are very helpful, especially if you are traveling with your family or with a big group since airports and formalities can be a challenge. Once you have cleared customs, you will be met by a representative of our company who will welcome you to Uzbekistan and escort you to your hotel. Of course, they are there to assist you with your hotel accommodations and answer any questions you have. After you have rested from your long journey, we will start your tour in the capital of Uzbekistan – the biggest city in Central Asia. While many parts of the old city were destroyed by a terrible earthquake in 1966, it was rebuilt in a very short period through the help of people throughout the former Soviet Union. However, some parts of the old city survived the earthquake and were able to flourish as before. This part of the city is called Chorsu (i.e. 4 Corners) and will include visiting such sites of historic importance as the Barak Khan Madrasa with its gorgeous turquoise domes and intricate tile work; Jami Mosque (Friday Mosque); the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum ― the poet and scholar; the library of the Institute Al Bukhari, which houses a sacred Koran dating from the seventh century, the only 4th preserved Koran of Osman. Afterwards, you will enjoy your time in the newer part of the city with its wide boulevards, green, spacious parks; Independence Square, Alisher Navoi Theater, Amir Temur Square, and the Monument of Courage, which is dedicated to the victims of the earthquake in 1966.

Day 2 Tashkent – Khiva

After breakfast, we will take you to the airport for your flight to Khiva. Total flight time is about 1.5 hours. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, which is located in the center of the ancient city. After a short rest, you can start your Itchan Kala (internal city wall) tour with our local guide. Your visit to oldest part of the city will include: Kunya-Ark Fortress and the Kurinish Khana (17 c.);Mohammed-Amin-Khan Madrassah (19 c.), Islam Khodja Minaret; Palvan-Kari complex; Abd Al Bobo complex (18 c.); Rafanek Madrassah; Mohammed Rakim Khan (19 c.); Amir-Tur Madrassah; Sho-I-Kalandar Bobo Mausoleum.Lunch time - we recommend having your lunch at the national house. Get acquainted with an Uzbek family, sample delicious Uzbek dishes, and experience their world-famous hospitality! Continuing city tour: Mazari Sharif Madrassah; Kheivak Well (10 c.); Uch Avlioli (Three Saints) Mausoleum; Jami Mosque (18 c.); Kutluq-Murad Inaq Madrassah (19 c.); Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum. Free time at your leisure.

Day 3 Khiva-Koneurgench

TURKMENISTAN

You have a free morning in Khiva before we depart to Turkmenistan. After lunch, we will drive to Turkmenistan border. After finishing with border formalities we will be driven to the hotel.

Day 4 Koneurgench-Ashgabat

We have a full-day of sightseeing ahead of us in Koneurgench.Visitng Koneurgench - the capital of Khorezmshahs (3rd – 16th centuries). Our tour of this ancient city includes: Portal of Caravansaray (11th-14th centuries), Mamun Minaret (10th-11th centuries),Il Arslan Mausoleum (12th century), Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum (13th century), Academy of Khorezm (3rd-13th centuries), Kutlug Timur Minaret (14th century) - one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia, Turabek Hanum Mausoleum (14th century), Najm Ed Din Kubra (13th century), and the Soltan Ali (15th century) mausoleums which are located near Dash Metjit/Medrese (19th century). Later in the day we will continue our journey with our flight to Ashgabat

Day 5 Ashgabat-Mary

In the morning, we will commence our tour of Ashgabat. Our first stop will be the Turkmenbashynyn Ruhy Metjidi, which is biggest in Central Asia. The Mausoleum Complex of the Tombs of Turkmenbashy includes his parents with his brothers. We will tour Old Nissawhich was once the sanctuary of Parhian Kings. Nissa is situated 15 km to the west of Ashgabat and was founded in the 3rd century B.C. Centuries ago, Nissa was the capital of Parthian Empire which lasted for about 600 years and was the Roman Empire’s biggest competitor. Located here there were the palace and temple buildings, and the depositories and treasury of the Parthian Kings. Recent archaeological excavations of Old Nissa revealed 2 temples - the round & tower. Taking into consideration the great scientific-cultural meaning, the site of the ancient town was declared a historical-cultural preserve by UNESCO. We will proceed to the Monuments of Archabil Shayoly (Berzengi) and observe the modern section of Ashgabat with its modern buildings, monuments, and parks. Health Path of Turkmenbashy built into the mountains is a very popular place among the locals, especially its park for picnicking and relaxation. TheMonument of Constitution opened on 2011 and is the tallest building in Turkmenistan (185 meters). The newly opened Alem Culture Center is the home of the world’s biggest indoor Ferris wheel. The Museum of Turkmen Carpets is believed to be one of three indoor carpet museums in the world; here is kept the largest hand-made carpet in the world. After lunch, we will proceed with a visit to theNational Museum of History & Ethnography. It is highly recommended to visit the Arch of Neutrality, where we will find the rotating statue of the first president of Turkmenistan. Our walking tour will proceed with a visit to Independence Parkto see the hundreds of fountains and statues. In the early evening will another short walking tour in Inspiration Park (Ylham Seyilgahi). Here you will find statues of famous Turkmen scientists, poets, and other notable people. At night, we will depart for Mary by airplane.

Day 6 Mary

Today we are going to tour the ancient city of Merv. Upon our arrival with will go to your hotel to get settled and relax for a bit. While here we will see the Gyz Gala & Oglan Gala (6th – 7th centuries), Complex of Askhabs (8th – 9th centuries), Gyaur Gala (4th century B.C.), Erk Gala (6th century B.C.), Soltan Gala (11th century), Soltan Sanjar Mausoleum (12th century), and Ibn Zeid Mausoleum(12th century). If time permits, we will tour Mary and the Regional Mosque of Mary Province, The Central Theater of Mary, theRuhiyet Koshgi Convention & Conference Center, the Central Park and Mollanepes Monument.This monument commemorates the classical poet who lived in Mary in 18th -19th centuries. Upon completion of this part of the tour, we will begin our drive to the Uzbek border. However, during our trip we will stop in Turkmenabad to observe the 900 meter long Floating Bridge over the Amu Darya River. From this vantage point we can see the oldest railroad bridge in Central Asia (19th century) that was once the only connection between the north and south. Once we pass through the border checkpoint, we will proceed to Bukhara, Uzbekistan.

Day 7 Bukhara

UZBEKISTAN

Your personal guide will come to pick you up at the hotel and you can start exploring the fabulous caravan city of Bukhara. UNESCO, in naming Bukhara a World Heritage site, states: “It is the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia, with an urban fabric that has remained largely intact.” You will have an active day by visiting: Lyab-i-Hauz – a cozy pond where local people get together for a cup of tea; Madrassahs – to learn about ancient Islamic schools: NadirDivanbegi – Madrassah (17 c.); Magoki Attari (16 c.), Ulug Beg (15 c.), Abdul Aziz (17 c.).Registan Ensemble, Ark Fortress (16 c.) and Bolo-Hauz complex (18 c.). There is plenty to see after lunch: Visit to Ismael Samani Mausoleum (9-10 c.) – the vault of the Bukhara rulers' dynasty; Chor-Minor, Chashma-Ayub Mausoleums (14 c.); Bukhara local bazaar. Visit to Old Bukhara: Poli-Kalon ensemble including Minaret (12 c.); Mosque (15 c.); functioning Madrassah Miri-Arab (16 c.); Amir Alim-Khan Madrassah (14 c.); Taqi (trading domes); Kukeldash Madrassah (16 c.); short drive outside of the city to visit theSitorai Makhi Khosa, popularly known as the last Emir’s Summer Palace. In the evening you can enjoy a national concert of Central Asian music, dancing, and a demonstration of our national clothes. After the show you will visit a local family to experience Uzbek lifestyle and hospitality; and participate in a master class of making plov – our national dish from rice. (Should be re-confirmed by your local guide).

Day 8 Bukhara – (Shahrisabz)* - Samarkand

Enjoy your morning at leisure in Bukhara. This is an excellent opportunity to shop, photograph, or just take a relaxing stroll among the ancient monuments and the old narrow streets. After lunch, we will drive to our next destination, the beautiful city of Samarkand. On the road, we will have several stops: Gijduvan, a village famous for traditional pottery crafts. You will see a demonstration of the making of traditional bowls, dishes, handicrafts, and handmade textiles (suzanes). This is the perfect place to find souvenirs. Rabat Mallik Caravan Sarai, a motel for traders along the Silk Road (10 c.). *Another option is to drive to Samarkand through the small town of Shahrisabz. We always leave this decision to be made by the traveler, as it is a 3-hour road trip. Shahrisabz is the birth place of Tamerlane, and possesses 3 popular attractions: Ak – Saray; the ruins of Timur’s Palace; and Kuk Gumbaz – the Friday mosque and Mausoleum of Jahangir, the son of Amir Temur. Arriving late Samarkand, you will be driven directly to your hotel for rest and relaxation.

Day 9 Samarkand

We head out to explore this remarkable city, one of the most romantic in the world. This was the center of Tamerlane’s empire, immortalized in the words of Edgar Allen Poe: “Look ‘round thee now on Samarkand! Is not she queen of Earth?” Tamerlane (Timur, 1336-1405) was a descendent of Genghis Khan, but Turkic-speaking and steeped in Persian and Islamic culture. He is credited with dismantling the Mongolian Empire and establishing the great Mughal Empire that eventually stretched all the way to India, where it would last for centuries.Visiting: Guri Emir – Legendary mausoleum where Amir Temur and all his family buried. Registan Square– World famous complex of 3 madrasahs and the golden domed mosque. Mosque Bibi Khanum – The biggest mosque ever built in Central Asia as gift to Tamerlane from his wife. Siyab local bazaar – unique place where you can get acquainted with the life of Samarkand’s people; Shahi - Zinda necropolises, a holy place and cemetery with graves of Temured’s dynasty, and the grave of the cousin of the Prophet Mohammed. Observatory of Ulugbek – incredible, ancient construction from the 15th century for studying astronomy. If you are interested in visiting the winery and carpet factory, please do not hesitate to ask your guide/driver. Your dinner can be organized at Nigina’s family house, a national treasure recognized by UNESCO. (Re-confirm with your guide or driver).

Day 10 Samarkand-Tashkent

You are free this morning to stroll the streets of Samarkand. Your driver is always at your disposal and can take you anywhere you wish during your spare time. We recommend going to the Registan Square or a local bazaar. Transfer to Tashkent Have your cameras handy! While on road, enjoy a small picnic to view the mountain pass near the legendary gate of Tamerlane’s ancient state. Other stops include the second largest river in Central Asia, the Sirdarya, a local fish market, and road side bazaars where the best melons in the region are sold. Depending on the season, there will be another stop at one of the many cotton fields. Arrival in Tashkent. Accommodation at hotel.

Day 11 Tashkent – Ferghana

After breakfast, we will begin our journey to the Ferghana Valley. The 4-5 hour road-trip will take us through the majestic Kamchikmountain pass (elev. 2,267 m) that separates Tashkent from the Ferghana Valley. On the road we make several stops, first in city ofKokand, which was once the most powerful khanate in Central Asia. While we’re there, we’ll visit the ancient Palace of Hudoyor Khan,next stop will be Rishtan to visit the house of the famous ceramic master, Mr. Rustam. He is always ready to demonstrate to his guests how he creates the best ceramic dishes and handicrafts in the world. We will continue to the city Margilan, which is famous for its silk knitting factories and handicrafts. You can witness the silk production process that has been there for centuries. The markets in Margilan present a great opportunity to purchase textiles and other handicraft souvenirs. More importantly, as you are shopping you will get the chance to experience the friendliness and hospitality of Uzbeks as they go about their everyday business. Arrival and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 12 Ferghana – Osh

KYRGIZSTAN

Breakfast.Transfer to Kyrgyz border. Your guide will pick you up at Uzbek – Kyrgyz border and accompany you to Osh city (40 min. drive). As soon as you are in Osh city you will go for a walk there and visit the most famous place - Suleiman Mountain. Suleiman Too (Solomon’s Mountain) is situated in the city center and it is considered to be a pilgrimage place for local Muslims, because according to the legend, biblical prophet Solomon (Suleiman in the Koran) was buried at the foot of it. After an excursion we will drive to have a Dinner. Night is in a home stay.

Day 13 Osh – Uzgen – Djalal Abad – Arslanbob

Breakfast In the morning we will drive to Arslanbob. The road takes about six hours and again you will drive along a mountain road. On the way we will visit Djalal Abad town and its famous Uzgen Tower. This tower was built in 11th century by Karakhanids. There are also there mausoleums that were used as burial places for the leaders. The whole road will surprise you by its celestial mountains and excellent panorama views. We will make many photo stops to remember this tour in for a long time. You will really enjoy it! This night you will spend in a local home stay. Dinner

Day 14 Arslanbob – Bishkek

Breakfast Today we will have to start early in the morning. We will start our tour at 6 a.m. to drive from Arslanbob to our capital Bishkek. The road will go along huge mountains and you will have many photo stops on the way. This road is one of the most popular among travelers. On the way we will stop at yurts to try Kyrgyz drink Kumyz – fermented mare’s milk. During transfer you will have a lot of photo stop to memorize these amazing views of incredible Kyrgyz Mountains! In the evening you will come to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel. Dinner

Day 15 Bishkek-Almaty

KAZAKHSTAN

Breakfast will be ready at 8 a.m. This first half of the day is dedicated to a guided City Tour. The tour includes visiting of the central Ala-Too Square, Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Pobeda Square (Victory Square), the History Museum, National philharmonic and many others places of interest. During this day we will show you our main squares and buildings that were made at Soviet time. After lunch you will drive to Almaty. Almaty is the largest, most developed, and most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Kazakhstan.Dinner Night is in a hotel.

Day 16 Almaty –Tashkent

Breakfast Your guide will pick you up at International Airport and accompany you to Almaty City. Today we will have a city tour. You will get acquainted with Almaty's history and see the Ascension Cathedral – the second highest wooden building in the world. Then you will visit the Square of 28 Panfilov Heroes. Afterwards you will visit the Museum of Musical Instruments. After lunch we will drive to the “Hawks nursery”. There you will see many birds of prey. At this place people train hawks, eagles, golden eagles to hunt together with them. In the evening drive to Kok Tebe to see the panorama view of Almaty. DinnerTransfer to the airport for the flight to Tashkent HY 766 at 22:40. Arrival at 23:30. Accommodation at Hotel.

UZBEKISTAN

In the morning we will drive to Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border. That border can be crowded and challenging, lucky we will have our special guide who will take care a part of formalities before our arrival in Uzbekistan side. After crossing the border we will drive to our hotel and the rest of the day is free.

Day 17

Transfer to the airport to begin your journey home. If you would prefer to extend your stay, we can arrange an additional itinerary based upon your interests.

Services included in main tour price:

Services excluded in main tour price:

Double / Single accommodation with breakfast 3*,4* hotels

English speaking guide service in the cities (local guides)

English speaking escort guide for the whole tour (in the group of 6+)

Transport service all over tour by luxury air conditioned minivan / minibus

Half board

Portages charge at airports and hotels Tips at the airports and hotels

Picnic and coffee stops

Unlimited supply of mineral water

Entrance fees to all sightseeing and monuments, except some sites in Turkmenistan

Folklore shows in Bukhara city

Turkmenistan Airfares on Boeing 717-200 or 737-300 (prices are subject to be change due to Turkmenistan Airlines):

1) Mary-Ashgabat

2) Ashgabat-Dashoguz

Flight Urgench – Tashkent

Flight Almaty – Tashkent

OPTIONAL services for your choice;

Tashkent: Tickets for performance in Alisher Navoi Theatre,

Visiting Christian churches,

Cup of Tea at Tashkent TV tower restaurant

Tashkent zoo and botanic garden.

Any museums of Tashkent

And much more

Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Ferghana: Decussating of local wines of local factories, all museums, theatres, taking part in national holydays, parties and customs / Traditions. Visiting Uzbek families, Schools, medical institutions, bazaars, archives of ancient books, libraries and much much more.

-National Museum of History (closed on Tuesdays) in Ashgabat –10USD p/p if only entry without local guide, 20USD p/p if entry & excursion by local museum guide (tour guides are not allowed to give excursions in that museum).

- Manat (~24USD) p/p if entry & excursion by local museum guide (tour guides are not allowed to give excursions in that museum).